Shop hopes to fill ‘artsy’ niche

Hockenhull’s by eclectic, a shop that will sell a mix of original art, handmade and re-purposed items, as well as a selection of fashion pieces, is set to open in late January at 206 E. State St.

“We ran the Eclectic Art Gallery on the east side of the [downtown Jacksonville] square for eight years, but we needed a break to finish remodeling of our downtown apartment and other downtown building renovation projects,” said Sean Meek. He is co-owner and co-operator of Hockenhull’s, with his wife, Deea.

“After moving into the apartment and the storefront space becoming available, we decided to try out this shop idea,” Sean Meek said.

The Meeks have named their shop after the family that constructed the Hockenhull buildings on the east side of the square and in the 200 block of East State Street in 1892.

Deea Meek described the niche Hockenhull’s will try to fill.

“With the popularity of Pinterest and a growing [do it yourself] community, Hockenhull’s is an example of how you can use creativity and imagination to make new styles from re-purposed materials,” she said.

Hockenhull’s also will sell a variety of original artwork and handmade goods.

“In the coming months, Hockenhull’s also aims to carry a selection of thoughtfully curated gifts and decor,” Deea said. In addition, the Meeks plan to carry some locally designed and printed apparel.

Before the shop’s grand opening in January, Hockenhull’s will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.

Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg.